Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Gift of the Holy Spirit given for common well-being

Ephesians 4:7-13
V:7 But to each one of us grace was given  according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

Our gift from Christ is based on His grace. Romans 12.6 reads the gifts differ according to grace. Here the grace is according to the gift, according to the measure of the gift.  These gifts are meant to be used for the building of the church. The gift is based  on Christ's design and will. We do not earn or choose gift from God. It is given to us based on what He desires.  
                        
Jesus redeemed and saved his saints who were held captive by Satan,  through Christ's death and resurrection.  He rescued  them from the  devil's captivity and took them to himself. Jesus overcame  and conquered Satan,  and captured them from sin and death.  Jesus gave special gifts to his captives, by assigning them to be apostles, prophets, teachers and shepherds. 
                        
The descension of Christ refers to His incarnation as man. When Jesus subjected himself to the humble state of humanity, and died  a cruel death on the cross, Father glorified him back to His original state. In His death  He descended   to Hades for three days. Eventually in His resurrection He ascended from hades to earth and in His ascension he went back to Heavens. Through  such a journey He cut the way that he might fill all things.  
                         
The many gifted persons  have only one ministry, that is to minister Christ for the building up of the body of Christ. Lord has prepared a way for all his children  to be united in faith , grow in grace, and to attain the full knowledge of God. Let us strive to build each other up in our holy faith, with an ever increasing knowledge of Jesus,   until we are all perfected, to a measure and stature of the fullness of Christ.
 
Prayer
Dear Lord, We know that while living in this earth it is hard to attain the unity of faith and the  full knowledge of God because of our sinful nature. Fill  our hearts  with your holy spirit to attain the real spiritual maturity.  Amen.
 
Thought for the day
Each Christian is unique contribution to the Kingdom of God, and co-heirs in Christ. However each member receives different gifts from God according to Grace.
Dr. John K Thomas
Tabor MTC

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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